Let’s investigate and learn about the intriguing periods in which these historical breeds lived before they went extinct. Extinct dog breeds have a proper history of their coming into existence. Similarly, these cherished canines certainly have a unique story of extinction. These dog breeds have disappeared for a variety of reasons, most notably people aren’t interested in them. Unfortunately, some breeds of dogs have to pass through the disease to natural evolution, and people no longer find these dogs fashionable. You can find more information on the fate of extinct dog breeds and the preservation of contemporary pedigrees in this writing. However, here are some breeds that are out of sight and are no longer around.
The Cordoba Fighting Dog
The Cordoba Fighting Dog, a formidable breed from Argentina, was renowned for its fierce fighting abilities and aggression. Breeders highly valued it because of this dog’s powerful physique, ferocious fighting style, and strength. However, due to their intense nature, they were eventually phased out through crossbreeding with less aggressive breeds, leading to their decline and eventual extinction. Hence in 1945, when the Argentinian government outlawed the practice of dog fighting then the Cordoba Fighting Dog or Perro de Pelea Cordobes was gone to decline. Therefore, this fighting dog leads to almost extinct dog breeds extinction and no more around us.
Brazilian Tracker
This extinct dog breed, also known as the Rastreador Brasileiro, officially came into the documents of the Brazilian Kennel Club in 1967. After getting recognition they became extinct just six years later. The breed has to face a disease that outbreaks in the Brazilian tracker and excessive insecticide use for their salvation. The excessive use of insecticide had a significant influence on the breed’s population. The Brazilian Tracker dog, which was previously a popular hunting breed in Brazil, was known for its remarkable tracking abilities and temperament, akin to the American Coonhound. Despite its disappearance, recent efforts have been undertaken to resuscitate the breed through preservation breeding, to restore its distinctive characteristics and contributions to canine history.
Alpine Mastiff An Extinct Dog Breeds
One of the first examples of extinct dog breeds is the dangerous Alpine Mastiff, which originated in Northern Europe circa 500 BC. Acclaimed for their magnificent size, measuring more than 39 inches at the shoulder and weighing as much as 350 pounds, these enormous dogs were probably ancestors of the English Mastiff. They were perfect for hilly terrain because of their size and power. Hence over time, they crossed with other Molosser varieties and became extinct in their pure form in the 1800s. However, they are no longer with us, their history lives on in the contemporary Saint Bernard and English Mastiff breeds, which share many of the physical attributes and qualities of the Alpine Mastiff.
The Tahltan Bear Dog
The Tahltan Bear Dog is a somewhat mysterious breed that originated in British Columbia. The Tahltans were the breeders and keepers of this small, spitz-type breed that has bred t this breed to hunt bears. However, the breeds tended to downfall in the early 20th century when the decline started in traditional hunting practices. Factors contributing to its extinction included the introduction of other dog breeds that were preferred for hunting, and possibly a loss of interest in maintaining the breed. Europeans crossbred this breed with a variety of dog breeds, resulting in a diluted breed that was no longer viable.
Talbot Hound
The Talbot Hound was a highly sought-after hunting dog from Normandy, renowned for its unusual look and hunting skills. The Talbot with its curled tail, athletic frame, and immaculate white coat, was a much-loved companion and hunter in England. However, as more specialized breeds appeared and the Talbot’s care requirements increased then the breed’s population declined. In the late eighteenth century, it was extinct with the existence of modern breeds. Talbot’s legacy lives on in its progeny, especially the Beagle and the Bloodhound, which inherit many of the beloved qualities of their ancestor.
The Norfolk Spaniel
Another extinct breed was the Norfolk Spaniel that sprung in England during the 19th century. This breed was bred with the skills of bird hunting particularly in flushing game and retrieving. However, It lost today despite its hunting prowess and with the introduction of other breeds that were better suited to evolving hunting styles. Additionally, they were combined with other Spaniel breeds in the 1900s, which led to the breed’s extinction. But over time, human tastes may cause certain breeds to become extinct.
The Dogo Cubano
This heaviest breed, a prominent breed from Cuba, was valued for its impressive stature and versatility in working roles. It weighs up to 300 pounds when fully grown and has powerful jaws and a short coat that suits its tropical environment. It had short muzzles, broad necks and heads, and alert eyes but an aggressive pet toward other animals. The Dogo Cubano has to face challenges including changes in canine preferences and the introduction of another breed that became the reason for its extinction in the 19th century.
St. John’s Water Dog
The St. John’s Water Dog was a rare breed and was well-known for its ability to swim and tight bond with fishermen. These water retriever dogs developed in Newfoundland, were devoted companions to their human counterparts and flourished in aquatic settings. After being brought to England in the 20th century, St. John’s Water Dogs were interbreeding with other breeds. Unfortunately, their numbers declined as a result of this mingling, and the breed tragically became extinct breeds of dogs in the 1980s. Their influence can be observed in the traits of contemporary breeds such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever, even though they have vanished.
The Braque du Puy
There are no notable and surviving examples of the French breed known as the Braque du Puy. Its hunting skills, particularly in pointing and retrieving games make it a hunting canine. There is no exact theory about its existence but they were conserved from extinction during the French Revolution. The breed subsequently vanished in the early 20th century, since it was unable to withstand the ensuring difficulties, despite this possible rescue. The breed known for being used as a sporting dog has come to an end with its extinction.
Molossus
The breed known as the Molossus sprung from the Kingdom of Molossia in Italy and was greatly respected by the Ancient Greeks and Romans for its exceptional strength and hunting skills. These powerful canines were anciently valued for their fierceness, but they also protected the Roman army. However, it’s still unknown exactly when they went extinct, the Molossus had a big impact on the evolution of many contemporary Mastiff breeds, like the Saint Bernard, Great Dane, and Bernese Mountain Dog. These breeds are a live example of their ancestry and the Molossus’s historical importance in defense, warfare, and hunting.
Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog is a small canine that was likely brought to Hawaii island by Polynesians. These dogs were highly valued as food sources because animal protein was in short supply on the islands. They took their name from poi, a taro plant that was fed to this breed. In the early 19th century, the era of extinction of the Hawaiian Poi canine was primarily due to interbreeding with other imported canine breeds. In the 1970s, an attempt was made to revive a rare Polynesian breed through breeding programs, indicating the ongoing concern for preserving its unique history.
Salish Wool dog
The Salish Wool Dog was a beloved long-haired breed with thick, woolly fur and a striking snow-white coat that was greatly appreciated by the Coast Salish people of British Columbia. To maintain their distinctive qualities, these Spitz-like dogs were painstakingly kept apart from other village canines. The Salish people who were well-known for their weaving abilities, sheared these dogs and spun the fibers into ceremonial blankets. The demand for the Salish Wool Dog did, however, decline with the introduction of Hudson Bay trade blankets, more reasonably priced sheep wool, and wider colonial influences. The Salish Wool Dog, which the Canadian Kennel Club recognized as a separate breed in the 1940s, tragically went extinct by the 1990s, ending a breed that was essential to Salish cultural customs.
Tesem
An ancient breed the Tesem was prized for its outstanding hunting abilities and unwavering devotion. This medium-sized Egyptian sighthound which is portrayed in the artwork on the walls of temples and tombs. These canines were strong hunters and loyal companions with their long, slender bodies and triangular ears. Despite their popularity, the Tesem eventually lost favor and were supplanted by other breeds, approximately 1650 BC, they had gone extinct. The Sloughi and Saluki, two contemporary relatives, continue this beautiful breed’s lineage.
Argentine Polar Dog
The Argentine Army created the breed known as the “Polar Dog” which was named for its long, thick coat, sturdy frame, and exceptional endurance while sledding in Antarctica. These canines were vital to exploration and scientific missions since they were bred to survive in the severe Antarctic and sub-Antarctic climates. But all dogs were exterminated from the continent after the Antarctic Treaty was put into effect, restricting the existence of non-native species. The dogs that remained were moved to Patagonia when the Argentine Army discontinued its breeding program. Because they were isolated from other dog groups, the breed was not immune to many diseases, and sadly, the majority of them died from illnesses.
The Alaunt
The strong and adaptable Alaunt was a historic dog breed, formerly common throughout Europe and Central Asia and prized by Sarmatian nomads. These big, robust dogs, whose builds resembled Great Danes, were highly respected for their impressive physical strength and dexterity. Its striking physique and powerful stature were used in a variety of tasks such as guarding and hunting. However, the Alaunt gradually disappeared and went extinct in the 17th century, despite their significance in antiquity. Hence, their heritage lives on through historical records and the succeeding breeds inherited their strength and characteristics.
The Chien-gris
The Chien-gris has another name the French Grayhound, known for their cheery and affectionate personality. its exceptional tracking abilities and agility once roamed the hunting grounds of medieval France. In the year 1800s, this breed became extinct as hunting practices evolved and other breeds gained popularity. Hence, the Chien-gris remains a notable part of canine history and a symbol of prestige in medieval Europe.
The Russian Tracker
The Russian Tracker has exceptional skills in tracking and hunting, also referred as the Russian Hunting Dog or Russian Tracking Hound. The hunters used this rare breed, in the 1800s, for tracking and hunting large game such as deer, boar, and bear. The Russian Tracker which was developed in Russia eventually vanished from sight as hunting techniques changed and other breeds developed greater task-specific specializations. However, this breed was not relatively extinct but is quite rare, even in Russia. Additionally, they have not gained widespread recognition outside their origin even with their keen sense of smell, endurance, and agility.
Kuri Dog
The Kuri Dog was a small and one of the oldest breeds that existed in New Zealand. This Extinct Dog Breed was an integral part of Maori tribes during the 13th century AD. According to Maori myth, Maui’s brother-in-law changed into the first dog. Therefore, this extinct dog breed was considered a symbol of cultural significance. In the 19th century, the Kuri dog dwindled due to the introduction of new breeds and the interbreeding of European dogs. However, this warm and loyal companion can assist in hunting. Additionally, this breed was remembered as an Indigenous heritage of New Zealand and honors its role in Māori culture.
FAQ’S
What Causes Dogs to go Extinct?
Generally, there are many causes of the dog’s extinction such as outbreaks of disease with no effective treatment and the changing human preferences towards breed becomes the cause of their extinction. However, environmental changes and habitat disruption also contribute to their decline.
When did the Turnspit Dog go Extinct?
The Turnspit dog, a breed well-known for its distinctive function in kitchens during the 1800s, became extinct in the 19th century. The dogs suddenly disappeared, were rejected as pets, and were no longer helpful as kitchen staff.
Conclusion
Finally, it is concluded that there have been many extinct dog breeds on earth in the past. Now, they do not exist around humans and the canine world and come in the list of endangered breeds. Even though they aren’t here anymore. Their legacy endures in their offspring, who carry on many of their ancestor’s cherished traits. without them, neither the current breeds nor the future breeds would exist. Overall, these breeds’ pasts demonstrate how human ingenuity has impacted animal species more broadly and highlights the value of protecting the vast variety of dog breeds that have influenced our lives over time.
